handtimes

A handtime is a period of time that is measured or perceived by the human hand. While not a standard unit of measurement in science or engineering, it is often used in informal contexts to convey a sense of duration. The perception of time can be subjective and influenced by various factors, making handtimes highly variable.

Common ways to express a handtime include the duration it takes to clap one's hands a certain number of times, or the time it takes to perform a specific action with the hands, such as tying a knot or buttoning a shirt. The speed at which a person can perform these actions will directly influence the perceived handtime. For example, one person might say a task took "a few claps" while another might describe it as "taking as long as it takes to tie my shoes."

The use of handtimes is primarily found in casual conversation, particularly when explaining something quickly or when a precise measurement is not necessary. It relies on shared, albeit approximate, understanding of common hand-based actions and their durations. In certain trades or hobbies, specific hand movements might become established as informal time markers. However, due to its subjective nature, a handtime cannot be reliably converted into standard units like seconds or minutes without further context or demonstration.